Timaru's first pilot launch closer to sailing again

Timaru's first pilot launch is closer to being back in the water with a $300,000 restoration job under way.

People interested in the boat can be among the first to sail on her once she is back on the Otago Harbour.

The Elsie Evans was built in Auckland in 1901 as the first pilot boat for the Timaru Harbour Board, and named after the board chairman's wife. In 1927, the board sold her to Captain Percy Moss of the Portobello Railway and Ferry Co. She was used to carry freight and two barges until, in 1944, she started a 10-year stint ferrying passengers between Portobello and Port Chalmers.

After passing through numerous owners she was purchased by the South Canterbury Historical Society so she could be restored and placed on display. That did not happen, and the society made the hull availableon on permanent loan to a Dunedin group to restore the vessel to a seaworthy condition. The group, Otago Harbour Ferry, is paying for the restoration work.

The restoration is expected to cost $300,000 and have her operating on the Otago Harbour as a ferry and excursion vessel, says Otago Harbour Ferry chairman Shem Sutherland.

While the three-skinned hull of the vessel is original, the superstructure is not.

It was decided to add a 1907 superstructure design to make her more suitable for carrying passengers.

Mr Sutherland said it was necessary to have the boat professionally restored, under survey, so she could be licensed for passengers.

Work on the hull has been completed.

A new John Deere engine had been purchased for the craft.

The group had raised $270,000. Mr Sutherland said another $30,000 would be required. To help raise the additional cash people can buy a $10 ticket for a trip across the harbour, redeeming the ticket when she starts sailing. A start date has yet to be decided.

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